Sound Transit seeking input on potential new low-income fare options

Sound Transit is seeking input on potential new low-income fare options as the Board considers updating transit fares on Sound Transit Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail and ST Express buses to align with a new King County Metro low-income fare.

In March 2015, Metro is implementing a discounted fare of $1.50 for adult riders with incomes at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level and increasing fares by 25 cents for other riders to offset lost revenue from the low-income fare.

The options for fares on Sound Transit services include: · A new $1.50 adult low-income fare on Link light rail only. • A new $1.50 adult low-income fare on Link light rail and King County-based ST Express bus trips. • New low-income fare changes on all Sound Transit services in which low-income adults pay $1.50 or the youth fare for that service, whichever is more. • Make no changes to existing fares on any Sound Transit service.

All other fares would increase by 25 cents to offset lost revenue where a low income fare is adopted.

Public feedback, online surveyAll public feedback received will help inform the Board decision in November. The public comment period ends Oct. 23. Here's how to comment:

Online: Submit comments at soundtransit.org/farechange

Public meetings

Sound Transit will host five public meetings throughout the region, and one public hearing, to gather feedback on the options and answer questions about the potential fare changes. All public meetings are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., except for the public hearing which is at noon.